Best Waterproof Matches: Staying Warm and Dry in a Storm

When it comes to camping, you want all of the modern conveniences at home with you. You may be tempted to bring everything you have just to feel comfortable, but that’s an unrealistic expectation that no one could possibly achieve. With modern technology, it’s becoming easier and easier to recreate the atmosphere of your home while you’re out in the woods. One of the most important elements of your home is feeling safe and warm, and that can be achieved easily with a campfire made with the best waterproof matches.

Although there are several ways to go about starting a fire – whether it’s with a lighter or rubbing sticks together the old fashioned way – nothing is more convenient and lightweight than a box of waterproof matches. However, the weather while camping can be unpredictable, so that’s why having a box of the best matches with you will ensure that you can always have a fire going.

Waterproof matches aren’t that much different, except for the special coating on the head of the match that keeps the solution dry. When a regular match gets wet, the water interferes with the striking solution, making it difficult, if not impossible, to ignite.

Choosing the best waterproof match can be a hard task when given a wide range of products on the market. Not all waterproof matches can be the best solution for your hiking needs. We have therefore compiled a list of quality matches in this review for you. But, firstly, let’s look at the product comparison table below, then get a glimpse of things to consider when buying these products.

Things to consider before buying

As we have already highlighted above, not all matches can satisfy your needs. The bottom line is that waterproof matches come with a special coating that renders them effective despite being submerged in water or rained on.

We have various brands and they design their custom products. Some important features include the length of the matchsticks, their stormproof, windproof, and the storage canister.

Storm-proof matches

The outdoor environment is unpredictable. You may be faced with a treacherous climatic condition wherein a regular matchbox cannot cannot survive to even light a second. Heavy downpours may wet your regular matchboxes. With the waterproof and stormproof matchboxes, you will be able to create a campfire regardless of the harsh climatic conditions.

Even if the matches can be coated with water-resistant layers, not all can be stormproof. Take a look at the thickness of the matchstick and its coating. Do not be deceived by the anecdotal claims of “stormproof” printed in the ads. It may be hard to find a stormproof product. Perhaps reading the customer reviews that have used the product could be helpful.

Windproof

Mind winds swirling around your camp can extinguish the weaker flames despite being waterproof. The windproof ones can be lit and be left burning amid strong winds. Not even a normal attempt of exhaling to the stick can manage to extinguish the fire. The flames are thick enough to survive the windy conditions. It’s also important to look for the matches that are windproof.

Length of the matchsticks

The normal size akin to the regular matchsticks may not be relevant for outdoor use. Bear in mind the possibility of having numb fingers because of the cold weather. You might get burned by the flames if the sticks are short. Preferably 3-inch sticks could be suffice.

And still on that, after striking the stick against its strike pad, hold it level or upward because holding it downward may cause the fire to burn faster until it reaches your fingers before lighting the woods.

Waterproof striker

Both the matchstick and the striker should be waterproof. The thought of having the striker being ruined by the rain while you’re left the stick can also be frustrating. Take a look at the striker to see if it’s also water-resistant.

Storage canister

The storage canister should also be waterproof, durable and light to carry in your gear. Waterproof storage canisters add more protection to your essential waterproof matches against heavy rains. You should also prioritize the protection of the canister, well, unless you have a plan in mind of how you are going to store your sticks.

The other deciding factors include the pricing. Normally, the waterproof matches cost more than the regular matches. Manufacturers charge for that additional effort of coating the sticks. Nonetheless, the price is still affordable when considering the importance of having these sticks. Let us review some of the best products on the market that we have handpicked below.

Best Products on Today’s Market

Since we don’t want you to freeze in the woods or ruin your camping vacation, we will guide you through choosing the best waterproof matches out there.

Coghlan 940bp

Number of matches: 160

Cost: $1 – $20

Best use: Camping, fishing, hunting, working outdoors

Description: Each box contains about 40 matches, so that’s a good supply for you to have on your camping trip. There have been comments that the matches themselves are weak, so striking too hard can result in them breaking.

Not all the matches are evenly coated with the striking solution either, so it’s a matter of trial and error to get a flame going. The waterproofing does work, but only on the match head; the flame will go out if the wood of the match is wet. However, at such an affordable price, Coghlan 940BP Waterproof Matches is not a bad investment to have on your side, especially if you’re camping on a budget.

Other customers have complained about the matchbox not being waterproof. This can be solved by storing them in an alternative package. Moreover, being waterproof doesn’t mean that you should submerge them intentionally in water. Only for the accidental occurrence of humidity. For such a price range, this product is a better solution for outdoor hobbyists camping in treacherous environments.

Pros:

Waterproof

Affordable

Easy to strike

Portable matchbox

Cons:

Prone to break if struck too hard

Matchbox not excellently waterproofed, as some customers have experienced

Related: To survive the total darkness in the wilderness, it’s better to have the Coghlan 9248 Survival Candle in conjunction with these matches. It can keep your camp lit for a maximum period of 36 hours.

Meteory Survival

Description: Meteory Survival are the survival matches that you definitely want on your side when there’s an emergency storm brewing outside. The heads have been specially coated in wax to provide more than adequate protection against rain and moisture. Simply scrape off the wax with your thumbnail, and you’re ready to get a fire going.

The sealed plastic container serves to keep them extra dry, and includes striking paper to make it easy for you to get them started. These matches are also advertised to be windproof, and won’t go out even in the strongest gales.

And you won’t have to fumble around in your gear in searching for these; the bright orange container makes it easy to spot, making them more difficult to lose on your campgrounds. The storage canister is also portable. Many customers have expressed their satisfaction for the quality of these matches.

Pros:

Windproof

Waterproof

Wax coated

Waterproof storage container

Provide a waterproof strike pad

Cons:

20 matches may not be enough for months of camping

Related: In case you forget to take your waterproof matches or you somehow lose them, we suggest never leaving home without a thing like the Shenglong Magnesium Fire Starter, just to make sure you don’t end up without a fire in your camp.

Description: Want something that’s affordable and keeps everything you need in a simple-to-carry case? UCO has made Vas Orange with not only waterproof matches, but also includes lots of gear that you’ll need to survive.

Being lost in the woods is no joke, so having a compass to help you get your bearings, as well as a whistle and signaling mirror can help you find your camping group again in no time. Once you’ve been found, it’s only a matter of waiting, and you don’t have to do so in the cold.

These waterproof matches will burn for a long time too, allowing you to dry any damp kindling you may have so that you can get a fire going. The bright orange case makes this tiny gear kit easy to find, and the added lanyard makes it even easier to wear around your neck to minimize loss.

Pros:

A combo with other indispensable accessories such as the whistle

Waterproof

Easy to strike

Bright orange case for visibility at night

Cons:

Can break if struck too hard

Related: Now that you have waterproof matches, you need something to cook your hot meal with. We suggest checking out the Big Bazaar BBQ Cooking Stove. It will make preparing that energizing hot soup a breeze.

Jackie Survival

Number of matches: 60

Cost: Approx. $3

Special features: Striking strip, bright orange container, windproof

Best use: Camping, outdoor activities

Description: When it comes to staying warm at night, or having the means to light your way after the sun has gone down, Jackie Survival Storm Matches are guaranteed to stay dry. The waterproof container and the special coating on the striking strip means that you’re guaranteed to have a fire going, every single time.

The wax coating on each match can be scraped off easily, allowing you to get a flame going, no matter how much they’ve been rained on. Many customers who’ve bought this product have complained that the striking strip isn’t very good, so it might be a good idea to bring a spare matchbox with you to ensure you can always get a fire started.

Pros:

Windproof matches

Great for emergency solutions

Extra-large head

Light even when wet

Cons:

Some customers said the container is not airtight/watertight

It is also said the coating can scrape off easily. Meaning you have to hold them securely

Related: Starting a fire with these matches will not be a problem, but we all know that the fire keeps warm only the side of our body that is facing it. What about the back? To stay completely warm by the fire, we suggest using an emergency blanket, and if it can be used to make a sleeping bag or a tent out of it, like the Sportsman Reflective Thermal Shelter, then you have a win-win situation.

Description: Being adequately prepared for anything nature throws your way is the key to survival, and these high quality matches will definitely help you out.

UCO Match Kit long burn time allows you to get your kindling dry just in time to get a fire going, and without having to worry about burning your fingers or wasting another match.

The waterproof case is also an excellent addition and provides you with a great way to carry them around and keep them dry. The container even comes with a bit of cotton to help you get your fire started in case you couldn’t find kindling of your own. The additional striking papers help you ensure you get a perfect strike every time, as striking surfaces tend to wear down with use.

The container contains 25 windproof and waterproof matches. But if you have some extra matches, you can fit up to 40 matches. It will take about 15 seconds for the stick to burn. Have your kindle ready to quickly transfer the fire. And comfort wise, the sticks are 2.75-inch long and weighs about 48g.

Pros:

Windproof and waterproof

Container to carry up to 40 matches

Burn up to 15 seconds

75 inches long

Replaceable striker

Cons:

Can break if struck too hard

Initial 25 matches may not be enough for many days of hiking

Related: Alternatively, you may opt for the UCO Stormproof Matches to specifically survive the harsh climatic conditions. The strikers are also waterproof.

Uco Titan

Description: There are waterproof matches, and then there are matches that will even burn underwater. The UCO Titan Match Kit do just that to show just how well they work, even in the heaviest of rainstorms. Nothing can put this flame out, not even with the strongest of winds either.

These matches are designed to withstand the weather, no matter how stormy it is outside. But not everything can stay as dry as these matches; wet kindling and tinder isn’t going to get you very far. However, with 25 seconds of burn time, you can get them dry in no time so that you can get a roaring fire going. The longer length of these matches also ensures that you won’t burn your fingers in the meantime, allowing you to stay safe and worry-free as you try to get your fire going.

Pros:

3 replaceable strikers

Waterproof case

25 seconds of burn time

Stormproof

5 inches long so that you do not burn your fingers

Cons:

12 matches is not enough for a month of hiking

Related: You may purchase the UCO SweetFire Firestarter that can burn up to 7 minutes if you find the matches not being convenient for you. However, they cost more than the matches.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be left out in the cold when you’re out camping. These highly rated waterproof matches are guaranteed to be there for you when you need them the most. They come in easy-to-carry packages – many of them stormproof – and are protected against the elements, to ensure that you’ll always have working matches.

The other worth-noting features include the size of the sticks to make sure that your fingers are protected against the flames. With these matches you can have a worry-free outdoor stay. You are free to create the campfire regardless of the sticks being wet due to ice, snow or downpour occurrence. Alongside the products we have also reviewed the related products or alternatives from the same company to give you a great combo.

Do you have a set of waterproof matches that we failed to mention? Why not leave a comment below and share your story with us? It may inspire us to include it in a future article! And don’t forget to share this link with your camping friends and family members so that everyone can be adequately prepared the next time you plan to head into the great outdoors.

Henry was hiking since he was 4. He was lucky enough to be born in Boulder, Colorado and enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park hikes growing up. His favourite is Longs Peak, which rises to 14,259 feet (4,346 m) above sea level. It is the highest point of the park. Henry likes to explore new hikes and spend his spare time in the wilderness.

The UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit are incredible. Unlike other matches where you need to be very near the object you are going to light because the flame burns out in just a few seconds, the burn time on these matches can run 30 seconds! The flame won’t easily burn out and it can still remain lit despite being dunk in water. Need to order more of these matches!

Ruth Jackson

The UCO Stormproof Match Kit is a a must have in anyone’s survival kit and is worth the price! When you light them they will burn for at least 10 seconds and not blow out easily. You just cannot rely on ordinary wooden matches for camping. I also appreciate the sturdy match case which is great in keeping the water out. Despite camping under snow and windy, rainy weather, no moisture was able to get inside. I highly recommend these matches!

Henry Silva

Impressive matches, aren’t they! I used to wonder how the manufacturers make these matches because they can even burn in the worst conditios possible- even underwater! They are wind-proof and most of all, they won’t burn your fingers.

Henry Silva

Thanks for the input Ruth! Yes, these are incredible matches and the quality is excellent. They can withstand increment weather conditions making you feel more secured when you go out camping. These matches are safe to use and the price is worth it!

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